Obituary of Colonel Raymond "Ray" Floyd Spinks, US Army, Retired

Raymond Floyd Spinks, 89, Colonel, US Army, Retired, died on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021.

Ray was born in Fort Mill, SC in 1932 to Lula Watford Spinks and Harvey Noah Spinks. He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and an infant son, George Harvey Spinks. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gary; his daughter, Lori; sons, Michael (Sandra), and Steven (Debra); grandsons, Miki, Cameron, Coleman; and great grandson, Emerson Luca Spinks.

Upon graduation from Fort Mill High School in 1950, Ray enlisted in the US Army, serving America for the next 30 years. Ray was a Paratrooper with the 11^th, 82^nd (twice), 101^st, and the 173^rd Airborne Divisions. He also served with the 2^nd and 25^th Infantry Divisions. Ray served in every Army leadership role, including Brigade Commander. His assignments included the Korean War, Germany during the Cold War, 3 tours in the Vietnam War, and multiple “Hush Assignments” across the globe. Ray served at the Pentagon, attended The Air War College, Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth and several others. He also instructed at several Army Service Schools.

Colonel Spinks was awarded numerous awards and decorations including: Bronze Star (2), Legion of Merit (4), Master Parachutist and VN Cross of Gallantry. He was enshrined into Infantry Hall of Fame at the Infantry Museum in Ft. Benning, GA.

During his military career, as locations and duties permitted, Ray attended night schools across the globe and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1962. He bragged “I was a slow learner taking 12 years to finish college.” Later in life, Ray was deeply involved with Trinity Presbyterian Church and was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was always eager to assist other veterans. His joys included fishing, Lake Life, hosting more than thirty 4^th of July SpinksThings, and above all, his family.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 4, 2021 at 11:00am at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC.  Reception to follow. To view the service via TribuCast, please click here or use the following url:  https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2334354444 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Oliver Gospel Mission in Columbia.